Sydney Hornsby does a flip at WinKids.
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Spirit Sports Photography
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Marshall Bennett of the FMYFA 5/6 Wolverines gets ready to hike the ball.
McKenzie Wood of the FMYSA 10U Cats pitches a strike.
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The Lewisville Football Association Titan’s Coach and Player get ready for the big game.
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Spirit Sports Photography
Lizzie Gallini has fun on the bars at Excite! Gym, Cheer and Dance.
McKenna Sadlowski, cheerleader for the LFA 7-8 Panthers Cheerleading Team shows off her jumping skills.
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November Issue, Our 16th Year!
COVER STORY BY TRESHA GLOWACKI Felix Jones.................14-15 STORIES Winter Games of Texas.........................................7 REGULAR FEATURES Possitive Coaching Alliance...................................5 The Game Plan......................................................6 Chalk Talk.................................................................7 Tip Off.......................................................................8 Sports Calendar & Directory..............................10-11 Kids Korner.............................................................13 Coach Spotlight.......................................................16 Student of the Month...............................................18
This time of year is when we usually take time to reflect on things/ people we are thankful for but why does it have to be this particular time of year? Why can’t it be all year around? I’m guilty of taking advantage of the blessings that surround me but I’m also reminded of how blessed I am when my two precious girls embrace me with their morning hugs. Having an attitude of gratitude is a “musthave” in our household. This does not go without saying that I have to, on occasion, remind my kids the importance of appreciation and gratefulness. It’s normal for kids to think first about themselves, despite all of our efforts to help them be more empathetic or appreciative. The good news, though, is that we, as example leaders, can help
them broaden their perspectives and see beyond themselves. We can help them think about others, and approach life with an attitude of gratitude. Are good examples being set in your home? How often do we complain about little things during the day? If we could just realize that the things that make life hard on us, like mounds of laundry, are frequently the barriers to our blessings, it’s easier to feel grateful and to share it with our kids. We can change our gripes into thanks by speaking positive words like, “Yes, we do need to clean up the house, but aren’t we blessed to have a house to keep us safe and warm?” By focusing on all that you and your kids have to be grateful for, you can use everyday moments to make gratitude and thankfulness a part of your family’s daily life. Simple, positive comments will help foster in your children an awareness of how much they have to be thankful for. - Amy Kenney
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Spirit Sports Photography
Haley Frost does an awesome flip at WinKids.
The GLASA FC Tigers are happy with their performance.
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Coaching the Rest of the Game Commentary By: Ruthi Elliott
There is a consistent trait among each coach in our Coach Spotlight every month. While many of them have a genuine love for the game they coach, have played at a high level themselves, or have a competitive spirit, the one thing they ALL share is the philosophy to “coach kids first and the game second”. These coaches understand that having happy, well-rounded children on their team naturally creates a positive learning environment. Instilling a strong work ethic teaches dedication and responsibility. Understanding the benefits of teamwork gives them the motivation to learn the importance of each position within the team and how to support one another. Showing them how to both win and lose with respect for each other and the opposing team gives them the
opportunity to develop humility and dignity. These are all traits needed to be mature, successful athletes and human beings. There are many coaches that feel teaching those things should be left to the parents, that it’s not their “job” to coach anything beyond game skills. As a coach, you have many unique situations the parents will never be presented with. It only stands to reason your players will be able to make better decisions during a game if they are respectful, have sound principles, and mature thinking skills. Therefore, you can consider teaching those traits as game skills as well. Here’s hoping the coaches in your child’s life are good leaders and mentors and are out there teaching the rest of the game!
Last month we discussed parents coaching from the sideline. Here’s what our readers had to say! Susan D of Corinth - “As a parent, it’s hard not to yell out to your kid when you do it all day but guess I need to let the coach do his job.” Tim W. of Highland Village - “It’s frustrating as a coach when a parent yells out plays that conflicts with my play calls. It places the kid in a position of trying to decide who they’re supposed to listen to and that’s not fair to them.”
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Lewisville Football Association Cowboy cheerleaders show their smiles before a great game.
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ImPACT For Concussion
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The Future Force girls have fun at the Flower Mound Lacrosse Association Future Force Camp.
A sudden hit to the head - You see “stars”. You are mildly light headed and may feel slightly sick. You are not sure what just happened. In years past you were told to shake this off and get back into the game. No longer is this the case. Injury to the head, better known as a concussion, has gained a great level of interest due to the recent altered play of Craig Goodhart, M.D. many athletes (Sydney Crosby) and even recent death of Junior Seau. We are learning more each day concerning the cumulative effects of multiple injuries to the brain. Concussion is a disturbance in brain function that occurs following a blow to the head. The effect of even a single concussion may have a long lasting effect and we know that multiple concussions can lead to post traumatic encephalopathy which is very similar to Alzheimer’s disease. We also know the brain of developing child is even altered more than that of an adult and as a result has much further reaching and longer lasting consequences. The ever increasing participation in sports has led to a greater number of concussions. Concussions are difficult to diagnose as the symptoms of headache, dizziness, amnesia, and nausea and concentration difficulty are often not reported by the athlete. It is even more difficult to know when it is safe for the athlete to return to sports. It is because of this that a method of testing known as ImPACT was developed. ImPACT has been called a “physical” for the brain. It is a software program that provides information to the healthcare provider that can assist in taking the guesswork out of when it is safe to return to play. It helps provide information regarding the severity of injury and has given a standard for when it is safe to return to athletics following injury. The test was developed in the early 1990’s by the longtime neurosurgeon of the Pittsburgh Steelers. It is a computer-based series of fast paced quizzes involving words, pictures and colors. The test evaluates memory and focus. Scores reflect how quickly and correctly the questions are answered. These are compared to a baseline test that the athletes take at the beginning of the season. Who should take ImPACT? Athletes who participate in contact sports (Football, hockey, soccer, lacrosse, cheerleading, basketball, volleyball). Head injury is serious. OrthoTexas offers greater accessibility at one of our seven locations across North Texas. Our talented staff of orthopedic surgeons, spine surgeons and physiatrists, as well as physical and occupational therapists, offers the most advanced treatment options with office hours to fit your busy lifestyle. Our physicians pride themselves on bringing the highest quality of care to the communities where they live and work. Craig Goodhart, MD practices at our Carrollton and Flower Mound clinics.
OrthoTexas Physicians & Surgeons 855-OrthoTX 5-OrthoTX (855-678-4689) � orthotexas orthotexas.com co 9
Baseball
Basketball
Cross Timbers YMCA
Attack Basketball Club
www.lewisvilleymca.org 972-539-9622
www.attackbball.com 214-223-7865
Denton Boys Baseball
Coco Sports Youth Basketball
www.dbbi.org
Flower Mound Youth Sports Association www.fmysa.com 972-955-7328
Highland Village Baseball & Softball Association www.hvabsa.com info@hvabsa.com
i9 Sports
(Denton County, Coppell, Southlake) www.i9sports.com 817-400-4525
Lewisville Baseball Association www.lbasports.net 972-420-7841
www.lcs-ballsandbooks.com 972-464-6580
Cross Timbers YMCA
Denton County Raiders Org. www.dcraiders.org
Driven Youth Football www.drivenfootball.com 972-746-5697
Excite! Gym, Cheer and Dance
www.lewisvilleymca.org 972-539-9622
www.excitegym.com 972-874-8500
Denton Youth Basketball
Flower Mound Youth Football Association
dentonyouthbasketball.com 940-320-9392
www.fmyfa.com info@fmyfa.com
i9 Sports
i9 Sports
(Denton County, Coppell, Southlake) www.i9sports.com 817-400-4525
Cheerleading Denton All-Star Youth Football www.dayfl.org 940-349-8276
Expires: 12/1/12
(Denton County, Coppell, Southlake) www.i9sports.com 817-400-4525
Lewisville Football Association
Cheerleading WinKids
www.winkids.net 972.355-9988
Dance Excite! Gym, Cheer and Dance www.excitegym.com 972-874-8500
WinKids
www.winkids.net 972.355-9988
Football Cross Timbers YMCA www.lewisvilleymca.org 972-539-9622
Denton All-Star Youth Football
www.lewisvillepeeweefootball.com
www.dayfl.org 940-349-8276
Upward Sports
Denton County Raiders Org.
972-219-1269
Click Here for Upward Website 972-530-8547, ext 216
Expires: 12/1/12
YSTNOV12
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Cheerleading
YSTNOV12
www.dcraiders.org
Football Driven Youth Football www.drivenfootball.com 972-746-5697
Flower Mound Youth Football Association www.fmyfa.com info@fmyfa.com
i9 Sports
(Denton County, Coppell, Southlake) www.i9sports.com 817-400-4525
Lewisville Football Association
www.lewisvillepeeweefootball.com
972-219-1269
Upward Sports
Click Here for Upward Website 972-530-8547, ext 216
Gymnastics Excite! Gym, Cheer and Dance www.excitegym.com 972-874-8500
Gymnastics WinKids
www.winkids.net 972.355-9988
Hockey StarCenter
Director of Hockey Programs Keith Anderson 214-GO-SKATE or 972-831-2425 www.dallasstars.com
Lacrosse Flower Mound Lacrosse Assoc.
www.flowermoundlacrosse.org
Hebron Hawks Lacrosse www.hebronlax.com
Martial Arts WinKids
www.winkids.net 972.355-9988
Soccer Cross Timbers YMCA
Softball Highland Village Baseball & Softball Association
www.lewisvilleymca.org 972-539-9622
www.hvabsa.com
Greater Lewisville Soccer Association
Lewisville Baseball Association
www.glasasoccer.org 972-221-4623
i9 Sports (Denton County, Coppell, Southlake) www.i9sports.com 817-400-4525
Upward Sports Click Here for Upward Website 972-530-8547, ext 216
Softball Flower Mound Youth Sports Association www.fmysa.com admin@fmysa.com 972-955-7328
www.lbasports.net
Swimming AquaKids www.aquakids.com 972-724-1528
Cross Timbers YMCA
www.lewisvilleymca.org 972-539-9622
Lakeside Aquatic Club www.swimlac.org
WinKids
www.winkids.net 972-355-9988
Tennis Play For Sport
www.playforsport.com 972-965-0458
Track Lake Cities Track Club 214-244-3271
Volleyball Attack Volleyball Club
www.attackvball.com 972-315-9500
Cross Timbers YMCA www.lewisvilleymca.org 972-539-9622
Multi Sports Groups i9 Sports
(Denton County, Coppell, Southlake) www.i9sports.com 817-400-4525
WinKids
www.winkids.net 972.355-9988
Upward Sports
Click Here for Upward Website 972-530-8547, ext 216
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your Super Star's sports photos here! Please submit to
amy@youthsportstoday.com
Multi Sports Groups Cross Timbers YMCA www.lewisvilleymca.org 972-539-9622
CAMPING, SPORTS & PLAY Now Registering for adventure guides, recreational and competitive basketball! Visit www.crosstimbersymca.org to explore all of our programs.
Cross Timbers Family YMCA 2021 Cross Timbers Road, Flower Mound, TX 75028 972.539.9622 www.crosstimbersymca.org 11
#32 Ryan Roich of the FMYFA 9-10 Mustangs breaks tackles for a touchdown.
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Spirit Sports Photography
Camryn Wood gets a little help on the bar at Excite! Gym, Cheer and Dance.
Jenny Taldo, who plays for a Cross Timbers YMCA team, bumps the ball back over the net.
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Coach Spotlight Coach and Current Program: Mack Bean, Miracle League, Foundation Volunteer Coach Program Location: Frisco Since it’s inception in 2005, Mack Bean has been an integral part of the Miracle League Foundation as a volunteer coach. Speak to those that work alongside him each week and they’ will tell you he is much more than a volunteer. When Jeremy Silvas, the VP of Leagues, is asked about Mack, he says of Mack and his co-worker Brent “I think it needs to be mentioned that these two guys have NO skin in the game. They don’t have any kids, grandkids or relatives in this Miracle League. They do all of this out of the kindness of their heart!”. When nominated, Mack responded, “It would not be right if I didn’t say something about my friend and the Miracle League’s friend Brent and the Buddies. The entire Miracle League has been such a great force for these kids. They should never lose their focus. They won’t. I asked Brent to assist knowing he would get jazzed up. He did. He is a wonderful coach, leader, and mentor. Any organization would be blessed to have him on their side. The buddies...simply speaking without the buddies, this league wouldn’t exist. I can’t say enough good things about the buddies. They make it happen.” Regardless of who wins the vote for most dedication within this league, it’s clear there is no shortage of volunteers with heart! Now let’s get to know this month’s coach in the spotlight a little better! When did you first begin coaching? With the Miracle League Athletes; in April of 2006 to present. Before Miracle League I coached youth sports from 1990 to 2002. Sports included, Fast Pitch Softball and Soccer. What is your favorite moment or memory thus far? I have been given great memories each week I coach these MLF athletes. Seeing
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All people have a defining moment in their lives. Some are fortunate to have a couple of defining moments. I have played sports and I have coached sports at a high level. But never, ever have I worked with an organization that is as focused on a common goal. “All kids deserve to have the opportunity to compete”. This is one of my defining moments.
the excitement these athletes have for the sports and the effort they put forth drives you as a coach. Do you have a favorite age to work with? MLF athletes, all ages. Favorite age for main stream athletes is high school and above. What has been your biggest challenge? For MLF athletes, the challenge is to know when to push and when not to. Your heart goes out to these jocks, however, they want to play and better their skills, just like anyone would. They deserve to be coached. Have you learned any valuable lessons that have shaped the way you coach? Players deserve the best….give them your best, be flexible in your approach to coaching, however, if possible, stick to your coaching plan. Winning is nice, but winning isn’t everything. What do you feel is the biggest reward you have received from coaching? The coaching journey you have with your players and the outcome. And it goes without saying, the friendships you make with the players and their parents. What advice would you give a parent who is considering a volunteer coach position? Be ready to spend the time and effort. Treat ALL players equal, and keep your ego at home.
What sports did you play as a child and/or adult? Football, Baseball, Field events (Discus and Shot), Long distance cycling. Who was your sports role model as a child? Al Oerter (Discus) He was the first track and field athlete to win a gold medal in the same individual event in four consecutive Olympics. (1956, 1960, 1964 and 1968) What is something most people don’t know about you? I love to cook and garden. What change, if any, would you like to see in youth sports? I understand building skills to compete at a high level. However, I would like to see the pressure to play Club sports at a young age geared down a bit. 8th, 9th grade, in my option, is good age to consider club affiliation. What is the biggest benefit you see in your players from being a part of a team? Learning that working together and doing your best can achieve big things. If you were granted one “coaching wish”, what would it be? Being 20 years younger :) Anything you would like to add? The Buddies. Simply stated, without the exceptional help of Miracle League Volunteers (Buddies, from the ages of 12 and up) the league as we know wouldn’t exist. We have a huge amount of Buddies each week who ensure the athletes safety, enhance the quality of play, and give the players an enjoyable experience. Many of these Buddies are High School freshmen, juniors and seniors. These young people have very active lives, but consistently, these people make the Miracle League part of their weekend. These are quality individuals. I could not be effective as a coach without their help. Thank you buddies! For more information about the Miracle League of Frisco, visit their website at www.friscomiracleleague.org
Spirit Sports Photography
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Rocco Phipps 8 of the FMYFA 3-4 Tigers carries the ball while #8 Daniel Harrolle of the Giants is in pursuit.
Katie Smith works on the beam at WinKids.
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STUDENT ATHLETE OF THE MONTH Eight year old Jackie McGuire is a 3rd Grader at Liberty Christian School in Argyle. She currently competes in Cheer with the Excite! Cheer Team. How old were you when you started playing sports? I was 3 years old when I first began to play sports. The first sport I ever participated in was gymnastics. Which sport is your favorite and why? Cheer is my favorite because it’s a team sport where each supports the other and winning with your friends is the best feeling. Who is your sports role model and why? Coach Julie, who is the owner of Excite! Gym, is my sports role model because she believes that if you have fun and do your best, you win regardless of the competition outcome What is your favorite thing about playing sports? My teammates
What do you like to do when you’re not playing sports? I play the piano, read and play with my friends. What is your favorite subject in school? I love school and all subjects. What would you like to do for a profession when you graduate? I would like to be a veterinarian that takes care of large animals. What has been your biggest challenge while playing sports? Learning new skills Who is your favorite sports team? Team USA (Cheerleading) because they
won Gold at the National Championship Who has been the biggest influence in your and what have they taught you? My mom is my biggest cheerleader and once again, Coach Julie. All they ask is that I do my best and most importantly, have fun. What if your favorite moment during a competition so far? Winning from all of our hard work What accomplishment are you most proud of? Being able to do a standing back-tuck What’s one thing about you that most people don’t know? I play the piano. Do you know what college you would like to attend and what you would like to major in? Yes. I would like to attend Texas A & M and major in veterinary medicine.
What makes a Youth Sports Today athlete special? They know how to keep things in perspective and have fun on the field! Let’s get to know this month’s Student Athlete of the Month!
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A Future Force Camper perfects his The LFA Cowboys team walks to the middle of the field hand in hand to meet their Lacrosse skills at the Flower Mound match. Lacrosse Association Future Force Camp.
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Spirit Sports Photography
Ethan Sample works on his skills at WinKids.
The LFA Titans have fun at the Homecoming Parade.
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